15 Funny Things to Do in Portland for the Month of December!

Matt Braunger, Ian Karmel, Sheetlejuice, and Dan Savage All Want to Wish You a Happy Hole-adays!

Happy Hole-adays! Dan Savage brings his smash hit advice podcast back to Portland for another holiday Hole-aday spectacular, with a live Q&A, and segments including Santa's Pain-Deer, A Gay in a Manger, and special musical and comedy guests.Dec 21, 8 pm, Revolution Hall, $35

Joe Mande Comedian and writer Joe Mande made a name for himself trolling celebrities and corporations on Twitter, but now that he’s denounced the platform, you’ll need to seek out his sharp tongue and relatable wit through other channels. His Netflix debut, Joe Mande’s Award-Winning Comedy Special, is a great place to start, as is his work on the brilliant NBC fantasy sitcom The Good Place, but why not get acquainted in person this weekend when he swings through Helium for a full slate of shows. CHIPP TERWILLIGERDec 1-2, 7:30 pm, 10 pm, Helium Comedy Club, $22-33

Nacho Gold If it seems weird for a Christmas season to roll around and there isn't quality sketch comedy playing at the Miracle, you're not the only one who feels that way. So do the minds behind local legends The 3rd Floor, which is why the group's alumni have reformed into a new nacho-flavored troupe, with a program full of all-new sketches.Dec 1-16, Fri-Sat 8 pm, Miracle Theatre, $17-20

Comedy Prom The time has come for a king and queen of Portland's comedy community to be crowned by a (mean, vindictive, hilarious) jury of its peers, as Elizabeth Teets hosts this game show intended to pit stand-ups against one another in an effort to reveal their vanities and vulnerabilities. Contestants include Kate Murphy, Becky Braunstein, Chris Ettrick, Jason Traeger, Amanda Lynn Deal, and Manuel Hall.Dec 5, 8 pm, Kelly's Olympian, $10

The Siren Theater's BRAND NEW Best Christmas Ever Somebody has to say it: Holiday spectaculars are reliably unspectacular. But not when they star the gut-busting geniuses at the Siren Theater. That’s right! Charming goofballs Jed Arkley, Janet Scanlon, and my boss, Wm. Steven Humphrey (to name just a few!) are back with an all-new sketch comedy holiday treat. Turn off Netflix’s Yule Log and get out there! MEGAN BURBANKDec 8, 8 pm, Siren Theater, $10-18

Fake Radio Presents: It's a Wonderful Life Legendary Canadian actor and comedian Kevin McDonald (Kids in the Hall) and the Los Angeles-based Fake Radio troupe stage a live-radio-show style production of the beloved holiday classic. Portland's own The Libertine Belles provide some musical accompaniment. Dec 11-12, 7:30 pm, Alberta Rose Theatre, $15-25

Hari Kondabolu Hari Kondabolu's sociopolitical stand-up will make you smarter, THROUGH LAUGHTER. The former immigrant-rights activist delivers whip-smart jokes with a light touch. From his latest Kill Rock Stars release, Mainstream American Comic, to his feminist dick jokes, he's not afraid to call people on their shit. Comedy could use like 4,000 more Hari Kondabolus—let's encourage this! MEGAN BURBANKDec 13, 7 pm, 9:30 pm, Aladdin Theater, $20-25

Andy Kindler An evening of stand-up with a veteran comedian who was responsible for some of Bridgetown 2017's biggest laughs. Based in Los Angeles and raised in New York, Andy Kindler is a quintessential comedian's comedian, known for openly airing his grievances within the world of entertainment. You might also recognize from his recurring role on Everybody Loves Raymond, his numerous Late Show with David Letterman appearances, and from his voice work on Dr. Katz, Home Movies, and Bob's Burgers. Dec 13, 7:30 pm, Mississippi Studios, $13-15

Ian Karmel Look. If you’ve lived in Portland for any length of time (or have read his column in the back of this very paper), you already know that hometown-boy-made-good Ian Karmel is one funny mothereffer. What you may not know is that he’s also very thoughtful, incredibly SMART, and—even though he lives in LA now—loves Portland more than life itself. So don’t miss this rare, all-new set from Ian. WM. STEVEN HUMPHREY Dec 22, 9 pm, Revolution Hall, $22

Matt Braunger LA-based comedian and Bridgetown Comedy Festival co-founder Matt Braunger cut his teeth in the Chicago stand-up scene with the likes of T.J. Miller and Kyle Kinane, but he’s still a Portlander at heart. This week the affable comedian returns to his hometown to spend holidays with his family, and afterwards he'll head to Helium to treat audiences to a full weekend of his lovable, self-deprecating jokes and unrivaled storytelling. CHIPP TERWILLIGERDec 29-31, Fri-Sat 7:30 pm , 10 pm; Sun 8 pm, 10:30 pm; Helium Comedy Club, $23-64